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A joint sub-committee of the Church and Government Committee and of the Committee on Peace and Peace-making has met on a number of occasions to consider questions raised by the traditional parades associated with what is often called 'the marching season'. Membership of the sub-committee was widened to include some who have personal experience of the Orange tradition within our Church. We have also met with the Rev Martin Smyth, MP, with representatives of the Garvaghy Road residents from Portadown, and of the lower Ormeau residents from Belfast. We have been very much indebted to Mr Joe Campbell of Mediation Network for his advice and support.
We believe it to be a fundamental Christian duty so far as is possible to live at peace with people everywhere (Romans 12 v18). In this Christians are to be pro-active, and at pains not simply to look after their own rights and interests, expecting that others will recognise them, but to show concern also for the rights and interests of others (Phil 2 v3&4). Even when we feel others to be in some way our "enemies" Jesus commands us to treat them well, and to do to them as we would have them do to us (eg St Luke 6 v 27-36).
1. The whole subject of traditional parades is a deeply emotive one, that draws out the strongest of reactions from the people of Northern Ireland. It is therefore a highly sensitive area of our cultural and religious life.
2. The problems caused by traditional parades are in fact limited to a relatively small number of such parades, which happen to pass through areas which have been particularly sensitive.
3. We are aware however that the number of such flashpoints is growing and likely to increase further, orchestrated by militant elements who wish to stir up trouble with other communities and especially to involve the Police.
4. We need to recognise that the right to parade is a part of the culture of both traditions in Northern Ireland, and especially of a substantial section of the 'Protestant' tradition, for whom the 'Twelfth' in particular is seen as an inalienable right, and a joyous celebration of their identity.
5. The changing demography of 'traditional' routes and destinations and the multiplication of parades needs to be taken into account. At the same time it is clearly undesirable that an enclave of residents who happen to live on a small part of an arterial highway should be able to veto parades passing through.
6. Nevertheless, it is only natural justice to take account of the feelings of a substantial majority of local residents who may not wish their locality to be the scene of marches, processions and demonstrations alien to them. This is part of their civil and religious liberties.
7. It is also a matter of justice that any objections to the route of a parade should be dealt with in a principled way on the basis of widely accepted policy, and not simply as a one-at-a-time agreement with each local residents group.
8. There is a paramount need to deal early with all such situations. This points to a real weakness in the present Public Order legislation.
9. In our view it is important to maintain the authority of the Chief Constable of the RUC, and in the end all operational decisions must remain under his control. At the same time we recognise the vulnerability of the RUC, and indeed the desire of various sections of the community actually to draw them into tense 'no-win' situations in order to discredit and undermine them. In view of this we would feel that it is worth at least exploring whether the use of some kind of advisory body to assist in difficult cases might be a helpful way forward.
10. We would respectfully urge all those who wish to take part in public parades of any kind the need for self-examination and restraint, so that they may consider the impact their emblems and conduct may have upon the community as a whole, and do nothing to provoke anger or intimidate their fellow-citizens. This is particularly important in the present tense situation in the Province, where symbolic gestures may well be needed in the interests of peace.
11. One area where particular care is needed is in the conduct and number of local 'band parades' not under the auspices of any organisation. Many of these are colourful occasions much supported in particular by rural populations. Some however have been marked by drunkenness, provocation and unseemly behaviour. Police should exercise more strictly their right to refuse unruly elements permission to parade in their local area.
12. There can be little doubt that the marching season is likely to remain a cause of conflict in certain parts of Northern Ireland for some time to come. In our view that need not be so, given the exercise of common sense, tolerance and wise accommodation by all sides. If we are to build a new kind of society in this Province, then that society must be a genuinely multi-cultural society, where the traditions of both communities are not only recognised, but affirmed and even celebrated. This will only come about in time, as both communities learn to trust one another and respect one another's susceptibilities and fears. That in turn can only take place through a respectful listening to one another. Simply to ignore those with whom we disagree will only make matters worse. It will result in the continuation of a problem which it is in everyone's interests to resolve.
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